Member of the Syrian Coalition Abdul Ahad Steifo said that a political solution must be achieved only through the Geneva process, adding that the Astana track must remain committed to its original tasks, namely arrangement and consolidation of cease-fire and tackling humanitarian issues.

Steifo pointed out that negotiations in Geneva are based on international resolutions, which gives any potential outcome international legitimacy.

Steifo, who is also member of the opposition’s High Negotiations Committee (HNC), said that results of the sixth round of talks were not satisfactory as they did not answer questions about the timing of the round and the fact that it was short. These results did not compel the Assad regime to change its policies as it continued to procrastinate and show lack of seriousness.

The proposal by the international envoy to Syria Staffqan de Misura for the consultative mechanism to discuss the constitution was impromptu and unclear and diverted attention away from the political process, Steifo said.

On the Russian role in the negotiations, Stiefo explained that Moscow has gone far in its support for the Assad regime and in its alliance with Iran, pointing out that the Iranian militias played a major role in the spread of terrorism in the region.

Stiefo stressed that Russia must reconsider its alliances and policies, noting that Moscow may be benefitting from playing the Syrian card today, but that will not be the case in the future. (Source: Syrian Coalition’s Media Department)

President of the Syrian Coalition Riad Seif called on the United Sates to exert pressure on Russia to push the negotiating process in Geneva forward to reach a political solution in accordance with international resolutions.

Seif made his remarks during a meeting with the US envoy to Syria Michael Ratney on Friday in Geneva. The meeting was also attended by members of the Coalition’s committee Hadi Bahra and Hawas Khalil.

Seif called on the US government to step up support for the Syrian Interim Government (SIG) and the projects it implements in the liberated areas to provide services to the population and improve their living conditions.

Seif gave an overview of the presidential plan for the next phase of the revolution and the plans set out to reform the Coalition so that it improve its performance and play a greater role in defending the Syrian revolution and the Syrian people's right to freedom and dignity.

The meeting stressed the role played by the Kurdish National Council in Syria and its representation in the Geneva process under the agreement signed with the Syrian Coalition. Both sides agreed that any political solution must be based on national partnership and ensure the unity of Syria and its people.

For his part, Ratney congratulated the new presidential body as he praised the Coalition’s commitment to the political process and reclaiming the Syrian people’s rights and dignity. (Source: Syrian Coalition’s Media Department + Agencies)